Good things to do for the week ahead
MUSIC
Musicians love singer-songwriter Eef Barzelay, and he's gotten his share of stellar press over the years. While mainstream success continues to elude Barzelay, he just keeps doing what he does best—writing smart songs with a touch of humor. The alt-country rocker, who garnered attention with Clem Snide in the late 1990s, counts Bon Iver, the Avett Brothers and Ben Folds as fans. He's also won accolades from the AV Club and Rolling Stone. NPR said "Barzelay may be the most underrated songwriter in the business today, with a sneakily firm grasp on poignancy and humor." Barzelay will perform a "living room show" this week at an interesting venue, Albany's Opalka Gallery. 8 p.m. Monday. $25. Opalka Gallery, Sage College of Albany, 140 New Scotland Ave., Albany. 518-292-7742; http://bit.ly/2SqOMW8
MUSIC
If you see country star Eric Paslay grab a cup and take a drink on stage, it isn't booze that he's drinking. It's orange juice. Paslay, who wrote country hits for Jake Owen, Rascal Flatts, Eli Young Band and Love and Theft, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 10. He drinks the OJ to keep his blood sugar from dropping. The singer talks about the condition, and to others with Type 1 diabetes, in "Level with Me," a five-episode podcast that wrapped up in June. You can hear it on Apple Podcasts. Paslay plays for free this week as part of the 2019 Summer at the Plaza series in Albany. A pair of local country bands, Whiskey Highway and Skeeter Creek, will open. 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Free. Empire State Plaza, Albany. 518-474-4759; http://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/capital-concert-series-featuring-eric-paslay
MUSIC
Singer-songwriter Crys Matthews had a very busy 2017....